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Gladstone's Zac Jahn stepped in for the absence of Steve Eilola who was on representative duties for South Queensland to kick three goals and midfielder Steven Grogan booted two and was high in the best players with Sam Schofield.

The Kangaroos broke the game open with a 7.3 to 1.1 third quarter and best-on-ground Lachlan Bethune led the way with three goals.

The loss leaves Gladstone Mudcrabs in fifth spot and a game behind the Kangaroos with crunch games against last-placed Glenmore, high rollers Yeppoon Swans and BITS Saints in the last three minor-round matches.

The Swans were 54-point winners against the Saints after being challenged early to be just 18-points ahead at half-time.

The Saints were held scoreless in the championship quarter and that was where the game was won and lost. Best for BITS were Leigh Irvin and returning ruckman Jacob Mills who battled manfully against in-form Jamie Garner as well as kicking two goals. Saints have the chance to leap-frog Rocky Panthers who are currently second on the ladder.